LANAP Laser Gum Surgery in Westmont, IL
Advanced Periodontal Treatment – Minimally Invasive
Are you suffering from gum disease in Westmont, Downers Grove, or Naperville? Dr. Kathryn Kennedy offers the revolutionary LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure) protocol - the only FDA-cleared laser treatment proven to regenerate bone, ligament, and tissue lost to periodontal disease.
What is LANAP Laser Gum Surgery?
LANAP is a minimally invasive laser treatment for moderate to severe periodontal disease that offers a comfortable alternative to traditional gum surgery. Using the advanced PerioLase MVP-7™ dental laser, this procedure targets harmful bacteria while preserving healthy tissue, promoting natural regeneration without cuts, stitches, or grafts.
Key Benefits of LANAP:
• No cutting or suturing required
• Minimal pain and discomfort
• Faster healing than traditional surgery
• Little to no gum recession
• Proven bone and tissue regeneration
• The laser is even safe to use around dental implants
• 87.9% success rate in clinical trials
What are Some of the Symptoms of Gum Disease?
• Chronic bad breath
• Red, swollen gums
• Sensitive or receding gums
• Shifts in the way the teeth bite together
• Sensitive or loose teeth causing painful chewing
• Spaces showing up between teeth
• Bleeding when you brush
• Or, in some cases, there could be no signs at all
How LANAP Works
The LANAP procedure utilizes the PerioLase MVP-7 dental laser to eliminate bacteria up to 6 millimeters beyond the surface of the laser light, thereby preventing bacteria from receding into the pockets. The laser targets the “bad” bacteria which is causing the inflammation without harming the healthy tissues. Traditional periodontal therapy often requires surgery to remove pockets, as well as antibiotics to kill the bacteria. In contrast, the LANAP procedure utilizing the PerioLase MVP-7™ dental laser is highly effective with predictable results.
The LANAP protocol is the only laser treatment with FDA clearance and scientific proof for proper bone regeneration, supported by human histologic studies showing new cementum, periodontal ligament, and alveolar bone formation.
LANAP vs Traditional Gum Surgery: Why Choose Laser Treatment?
Traditional Periodontal Surgery Limitations:
• Requires scalpel cutting and sutures
• Significant post-operative pain requiring narcotics
• Weeks of healing time
• 2-15mm of gum recession
• Risk of tooth sensitivity
LANAP Advantages:
• Pain Management: Minimal discomfort - most patients need no pain medication
• Recovery Time: Return to normal activities within days, not weeks
• Precision: Laser targets only diseased tissue, preserving healthy gums
• Aesthetics: Maintains your natural gum line with minimal recession
• Effectiveness: Promotes true periodontal regeneration
LANAP Candidacy: Who Benefits from Laser Gum Surgery?
Ideal LANAP Candidates:
• Patients with gum pockets 5mm or deeper
• Moderate to severe periodontal disease
• Those seeking alternatives to traditional surgery
• Patients with health conditions (diabetes, HIV, hemophilia)
• Individuals taking blood thinners (Plavix, aspirin)
LANAP Treatment Process in Westmont, IL
Initial Consultation
Dr. Kennedy performs a comprehensive examination including:
• Medical and dental history review
• X-ray evaluation
• Periodontal pocket depth measurements
• Personalized treatment plan development
Treatment Sessions
• Two 2-hour appointments scheduled one week apart
• Typically, we will treat one side of the mouth per visit
• Patients can chew normally on the untreated side during healing
• Special laser safety glasses are provided during treatment
What to Expect During LANAP
• Local anesthetic if needed for comfort
• Laser treatment targeting infected areas
• No cutting, suturing, or grafting required
• Return to normal activities immediately after treatment
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
Immediate Post-LANAP Care (7-10 days):
• Soft food diet as recommended
• Gentle oral hygiene with the provided gel
• Protective nightguard to stabilize teeth during healing
• Avoid tobacco products completely
Long-Term Maintenance:
• Regular periodontal maintenance cleanings
• Follow-up visits to monitor healing
• Bite adjustments as needed
• Annual X-rays to evaluate success
Recovery Timeline:
• Day 1-2: Mild aching or soreness possible
• Days 3-7: Continued healing, soft food diet
• 1 Week: Follow-up visit and second treatment if needed
• 1 Year: Final evaluation with updated X-rays
Why Choose Dr. Kathryn Kennedy for LANAP in Westmont, IL?
Dr. Kathryn Kennedy is among the select few dentists in the United States with advanced training on the PerioLase MVP-7™ laser and patented LANAP procedure. Her specialized expertise ensures optimal results for patients seeking advanced periodontal treatment throughout DuPage County and surrounding communities.
What Our Patients Say About the LANAP Treatment
"My experience with Dr. Kennedy has been very informative & painless. Dr. Kennedy & her staff go above & beyond to provide excellent service…highly recommended!!!" - S. Ortiz
"Dr Kennedy is a very kind and knowledgeable Dr who takes her time with you and explains what is going on with your teeth/gums. Highly recommend." - E. Garcia James
Health Benefits Beyond Your Mouth
LANAP laser gum surgery doesn't just treat periodontal disease—it significantly reduces your risk of serious health conditions linked to untreated gum disease:
• Heart disease and stroke prevention
• Better diabetes management and reduced complications
• Lower risk of respiratory disease
• Reduced rheumatoid arthritis symptoms
• Decreased risk of dementia and certain cancers
• Safer pregnancies with fewer complications
Frequently Asked Questions About LANAP
Is LANAP worth the investment? LANAP is a cost-effective treatment that saves your natural teeth and prevents more expensive procedures later. This investment in your oral health improves your quality of life while reducing future dental costs.
Does LANAP need to be repeated? Most patients achieve excellent results with the standard two-session LANAP protocol. Cases with extensive periodontal damage may require additional sessions, which Dr. Kennedy will discuss during your consultation.
Can LANAP reverse 7mm gum pockets? LANAP has proven highly effective in significantly reducing deep periodontal pockets, including 7mm pockets. While complete restoration may not always be possible, substantial improvement and prevention of further damage is consistently achievable.
How quickly do gums heal after LANAP? LANAP's minimally invasive laser approach allows for rapid healing. Most patients experience initial healing within days, with continued improvement over several months as natural bone and tissue regeneration occurs.
Schedule Your LANAP Consultation in Westmont, IL
Don't let gum disease compromise your oral health and overall well-being. Dr. Kathryn Kennedy's advanced LANAP treatment can save your natural teeth and restore your confident smile without traditional surgery.
Contact Dr. Kennedy Today:
• Phone: (630) 716-9481
• Location: 331 W. 63rd St., Westmont, IL 60559
Service Area: DuPage County and surrounding communities:
Ready to learn more about LANAP laser gum surgery? Schedule your consultation today to discover if this revolutionary periodontal treatment is right for you.
Dr. Kathryn Kennedy, DDS - Advanced Periodontal Care in Westmont, Illinois. Proudly serving Westmont, Downers Grove, Naperville, Bolingbrook, Willowbrook, Hinsdale, and La Grange. Conveniently located 18 miles west of Chicago Loop in DuPage County.
Photos courtesy of www.FightGumDisease.com